Chapter 271: Deduction
Author: White Pear Flower
Raws: https://book.qidian.com/info/2386994/
Translated by Gumihou
Proofread by Pill Bug
Gumihou: Readjust IQ levels until it’s back to normal.
In the spirit of the so-called saying, ‘A true gentleman would give his life for his friends’, most of the officials of Quanzhou Prefecture were undoubtedly good people. Although they were not good at making deductive connections, they were competent enough at managing their local areas as officials. However, after working quietly for many years without any acknowledgement or praise from the higher-ups, not to mention never getting any credit for any of their good work and achievements, these lower level clerks and officials ended up being unmotivated and indolent.
Therefore, when Jin Fengju lavished praise upon their heads, how could these low-level officials and minor clerks not feel touched or excited? They immediately regarded Jin Fengju as a good friend and felt that this Young Marquis was truly exceptional. No wonder such a person caught the emperor’s eye. Just look at how sincerely he treated others. How many people of his status would do the same?
The previous magistrates and governors who deigned to visit this prefecture were all people who were of similar status. Not a single one of them was as high-ranking as Jin Fengju’s Imperial Envoy status, but yet acted all high and mighty. Where else could one find a Young Marquis as approachable as him who humbly said, “I do not see myself as a Marquis, and neither should you.”
All present were very touched by his words.
Even more so when Jin Fengju sighed heartily once again and said, “Although I am proud to see such wonderful people serving our Great Ning Empire, my heart aches for you as well. For, it cannot be easy to be an official in Quanzhou City. My wife told me that after you moved out of the yamen, those of you who were considered high-ranking officials could not even find a decent place to stay. She also found out that your salaries were mostly used to help the needy. Your integrity and kindness are commendable. What a pity that Quanzhou is located by the sea and suffered from Japanese pirate attacks ever so often. The city has suffered a lot, leaving the residents in great despair
However, do not fear. For I bring great news with me! The Emperor and Crown Prince are determined to eradicate the pirates! Now that the citizens have tasted great victory over those damned Japanese pirates, let us unite and defeat those wretched Barbarians once and for all! We must come together and avenge our people! Once those barbaric pirates have been destroyed, Quanzhou will finally have peace and the commoners will no longer depend on the good officials for financial support. Only then, both you and the people can live better lives, isn’t this so?”
“Your Excellency is absolutely right! We lack neither determination nor passion to eradicate those wretched pirates. Our only fear is that the court may not fully back us… Now, with Your Excellency’s help, those Barbarians have suffered a significant blow, presenting us with a great opportunity to restore peace along the coast. Your Excellency, we are willing to be your vanguard, clearing the path for you.”
“Yes, yes, even though we are civil officials, we are not afraid of Japanese pirates…”
“Sir, please take me with you next time to fight the Japanese pirates. I am familiar with all the mountains, forests, and islands along the coast…”
Jin Fengju’s words have obviously ignited the passion and emotions of all the officials. He also felt moved by their passionate reaction. Nodding slowly, he said, “Do not worry, I promise you, those vulgar pirates will surely return within the month. When the time comes, we will definitely call on your help. His Majesty the Emperor has great plans to open up the seaways. Once the Japanese pirates are eliminated, Quanzhou will become a great port and a shipyard. When the time comes, foreign trade will flourish like never before! I tell you this to remind you to cherish yourself. While it is important to be fearless on the battlefield, you must not let emotions cloud your judgment. Should you lose your life in vain, you would not live to see this prosperous future with your own eyes.”
Even as they laughed at Jin Fengju’s last statement, everyone’s eyes became moist with emotion and happiness. There had been rumours about the lifting of the sea ban circulating among the officials for years now, but there had never been any concrete confirmation until then. How could they not be moved by Jin Fengju’s bold declaration?
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[1]Once he returned to the residence, Jin Fengju eagerly searched for Fu Qiuning to tell her all about the slain Japanese pirates.
After hearing his passionate account about how the people had risen up to slay that Japanese pirate, Fu Qiuning frowned and said, “How many pirates did you say the people slayed?”
Jin Fengju’s smile faltered. He squirmed for a moment before saying, “It was one pirate, but he had a sword with him! In fact, now that barbarians have been slain, this city is no longer a place where two or three pirates can hide.”
“I see…” Fu Qiuning was still frowning. “Still, it’s strange, isn’t it? Why a single pirate would suddenly come out into the open knowing that people are out to kill them.”
“Hahaha! That is all thanks to Madam’s plan of having those dead pirates’ bodies put on display!” Jin Ming gushed from the side. “Master assured us that it would draw the pirates out, but I didn’t expect it to have such a significant effect.”
He even showed a thumbs up, not having noticed Fu Qiuning’s suddenly pale face.
“This-”
Before Fu Qiuning could say anything, Jin Fengju laughed loudly and said, “Indeed, with everyone ready to do battle, isn’t that the most terrifying? Those two remaining pirates must be racking their brains right now, trying to figure out how to escape the city. But with a guard post every five steps along the city wall, it won’t be easy for them to repeat their tricks.”
Fortunately for Jin Fengju, Jin Ming was quick-witted enough to catch onto his master’s hint and stopped talking about those blasted pirate corpses. After a few more mundane exchanges, Jin Ming excused himself, taking the other maids and servants with him and leaving Jin Fengju alone with Fu Qiuning.
“… …”
After sweating in place for a while, Jin Fengju suddenly said in a plaintive voice, “Qiuning, do you think this incident is related to Wanying? These Japanese pirates came earlier this year. And…” He paused for a moment before whispering, “This time, the number of pirates is not large, and many of them are people from our Great Ning Dynasty. I have heard before that some people from Great Ning pretend to be Japanese pirates in order to commit atrocities, but I always thought there could not be so many heartless people in the world and never expected to see it firsthand this time.”
[2] Fu Qiuning raised an eyebrow, “Oh? Is that so?” [2] Jin Fengju nodded eagerly and added, “Indeed, even the nine sons of the dragon are different, not to mention ordinary people. In the face of great benefits, there will indeed be desperate individuals taking risks. However, thinking about this matter, I believe it should have nothing to do with Wanying. Think about it, since she arrived at the yamen, she has been ill. How could she receive any messages? Moreover, what messages could there be to pass on?” [2] “Hmm…”Jin Fengju’s gaze turned colder as he shook his head, saying, “Qiuning, you have lived in peace for six years, and you are still inexperienced in these struggles. Have you forgotten how those officials’ families were forced to move out of the yamen?”
[2] Fu Qiuning looked a little wistful, “Well, you could certainly call most of those years peaceful…” [2] Realising his error, Jin Fengju’s mouth hastened to say, “Yes, yes, the mastermind behind that incident must have had malicious intentions, wanting to make me lose support and make it difficult for me to move forward. Have you forgotten? How much had she opposed us when we wanted to evict the other households that day? With such intense opposition, if I hadn’t mentioned that there were houses outside for them to live in, we might not have been able to persuade them. As for channels, the mastermind behind pressuring the officials to move out of the yamen is not far away, right? Moreover, there are many different people in the yamen, so it’s not difficult for a few spies to communicate.” [3] Fu Qiuning frowned at him, “What are you even talking about? When did she ever oppose us evicting people? She only opposed to leaving the courtyard-” [3] Instead of answering her, Jin Fengju went on passionately to say, “I understand. You must be thinking that the Crown Prince would never collude with Japanese pirates. However, in the face of interests, there are no enemies or friends. Moreover, this time, the number of Japanese pirates was not large, and I had, in fact, found many Ning dynasty people disguised as Japanese pirates. Since the crown prince exiled me to this place, he must have decided not to let me return alive. In this way, wouldn’t he try to buy influence in this place? If he wants me dead, it would be best if I die at the hands of Japanese pirates!!”“… …”
“… …”
[3] “Is that so?” Fu Qiuning said when the silence went on too long. [3] Jin Fengju eagerly sat closer to her and said in a serious voice, “Of course, these are just speculations without evidence. Qiuning, we can assume that the crown prince sent me here with the intention of having me die at the hands of Japanese pirates. But he also knows my capabilities. How can he restrict me in every way? Naturally, by alienating me from subordinate officials. That’s why the officials’ families were forced to move out. Lady Wanying may also know about this, but they didn’t expect you to find out the truth the next day and bring those officials’ families back.Unable to stop you, Wanying had to leak this information. In this way, if they can’t create a rift between me and the officials, they can only resort to risky measures, sending a large group of Japanese pirates while I am still finding my footing. Didn’t the Crown Prince give me the title of commanding the anti-Japanese forces? He must be hoping that I will cause dissatisfaction among the anti-Japanese guards, or maybe even die on the battlefield. However, he probably didn’t expect that the emperor would issue an imperial decree appointing me as the overall commander of the anti-Japanese forces and that these Japanese pirates would return empty-handed. It’s all up to fate.”
[3] Fu Qiuning reeled back from the barrage of words. Jin Fengju had just said a lot of things, but the gist of it was that he was sent here to die. Sure, whatever. However, since her situation was also tied to his fate, she said, “Lord Husband’s speculations are not unreasonable. However, the capital is far from here, and these events happening one after another must not be the crown prince’s orders. There must be someone in control here, making decisions on the spot.”Jin Fengju nodded quickly, “Of course, not all of the crown prince’s subordinates are useless. However, that person probably won’t make any more moves, right?”
“Why do you say that, Lord Husband?” said Fu Qiuning duly, sensing that this person was nearly vibrating with eagerness to reveal his Clever Plan.
As expected, he chuckled and poked her nose, “You, oh you, so clever yet so confused at times. When the autumn wind rises, isn’t it the right time for the main force of the Japanese pirates to come? With such a sharp weapon ready, it’s perfect for them to kill me. Why would they need to make more elaborate plans?”
Fu Qiuning forced a smile, “If Lord Husband said so, it must be so.”
If she had learned anything from all the novels and dramas of her world, the characteristics of the Japanese people in this world could be summed as: they are bullies when facing the weak, but they become submissive when facing the strong.
While she was contemplating this, Jin Fengju went on talking. [3]
“Do not worry, am I not your husband?” Jin Fengju smiled slightly, then patted Fu Qiuning’s shoulder, saying, “These days, you’ve been working hard in the mansion. I shall carefully study the case files left by the yamen. The information we got from the soldiers about the Japanese pirates is only partial. To predict and estimate the landing points of the Japanese pirates, as well as their battle strategies, we still need to rely on the case files.”
[Gumihou: I cannot believe that the Chinese Nationalism yay! is cute compared to what I have deleted in note 4]
[1] Instead of an idiotic AR Qiuning panting to polish JFJ’s butt, have something more realistic. Below is a taste of what was written
Upon returning to the main hall, Fu Qiuning asked about the situation of the slain Japanese pirates. After hearing Jin Fengju’s account, she was also astonished and laughed, saying, “I had the thought to have those Japanese pirates’ bodies displayed that day, but I didn’t expect it to have such a significant effect. It’s good that the city is no longer a place where two or three pirates can hide.”
[2] Only half of JFJ’s self-aggrandising speech was originally under JFJ. In the ‘original’ version, AR Qiuning was more than happy to help JFJ polish his buttocks as they bounced their single brain cell between them. Adjusted so that the real Qiuning’s contribution were variations of ‘hmm…uh huh…’ at best. JFJ doesn’t need much encouragement to talk about himself [3] Call out his nonsense, because even I can’t make out what he’s saying. Rather than this crowing jewel:“My Lord’s words make sense, but what does it have to do with the Japanese pirates?” Fu Qiuning couldn’t understand.
I seriously cannot believe White Pear Flower resorted to Fu Qiuning couldn’t understand??!! to push JFJ’s long-ass speech forward.
[4] I’m fine leaving the Chinese nationalism yay! In the text, but the rest of it has to go.As Jin Fengju was clearly not the weak chicken generals they had faced in previous years. Since the emperor had decided to lift the maritime ban, how could he allow such threats to exist along the coast? Otherwise, the old man wouldn’t have agreed to send beloved generals over during his personal expedition, right? Perhaps from the beginning, the old man had figured out his son’s tricks, and every step of the way was part of his calculations.
Thinking of this, Fu Qiuning couldn’t help but shudder, thinking that if it was really like this, then this emperor was too powerful, almost like the reincarnation of Zhuge Liang.
Nope, nope, nope. It’s blasphemous to compare Zhuge Liang with any of the characters here. The collective brain cells probably could not even fill a grime under Zhuge Liang’s little toe nail. Zhuge Liang could probably think better with his knee!
[4a] I cannot believe an even worse line followed the above:“You’re right, Qiuning. To use a weapon to kill, you have to see what kind of weapon and what kind of person it is.” Jin Fengju smiled proudly. Fu Qiuning loved his confident appearance, and amidst his majestic demeanour, there was an air of heroism.
I need some bleach for my eyes
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